Dearest, You Said [McCartney]

Six

April 25 1963 - Thursday

The highlight of the morning was Alfie losing his mind over a mother with her two little children, a little pram being pushed along. His tail was rapidly wagging, his ears tucked back to let the little ones stick their hands through the gate to pet him. How sweet.

Judith was over after my brothers had already gone, but she was stalling time in the kitchen with Mum. All it took was one question from Mum for them to keep chattering away, even though it was only meant to be a quick hello goodbye. Alfie was focused on the past smells that were in her clothes, quietly sniffing at her legs while investigating where this woman once was. She was wearing a red blouse and skirt matching set, with dark hosiery. Her hair was pulled back with a ribbon, her fringe wasn't curled  for a voluminous bob over her eyebrows; instead it was softly sweeping over her eyes from drying after a shower. 

I wore a matching set of patterned skirt and blouse with one of Mum's pairs of earrings. I kept the makeup light today, only mascara and a dusting of rouge over my cheeks. This outfit made me feel mature, a ladylike feel. It was number three on the catalog page I saw.

Judith and I were set on a brunch this morning. It was within a decent walking distance, so we were looking forward to the stroll. I think Mum and her were figuring out how similar they were as people, sharing the same notions and thoughts about a new fad or idea. I wasn't entirely similar to Mum, sometimes I felt we lived on two different sides of the world. She could be quite insensitive, if that was the way to word it. Not that she tried to be, anyways. Someone could share some sad news, and without thinking, Mum would respond in a more frank way, a bit of a lack of empathy causing the person to give her a funny look, before she realised it was inappropriate.

"I don't mean to keep you two here for long, apologies for my waffling." Mum looked to me, her crow's feet appearing at the corners of her blue eyes. Judith shook her head.

"It was lovely to chat with you, Mrs. Lott. We should get going, though, Marie." The blonde woman's hand came to touch my shoulder for a moment. I stood, smoothing down my skirt and bidding farewell to Mum. 

The walk was nice for fresh air, Judith was quite a funny girl. Her odd behavior at the party seemed to be far behind her. Now she was cracking jokes and had a contagious laugh. One you could hardly contain yourself from joining in. She always acknowledged each passerby with a kind smile, too. She embodied a ray of sunshine. I think the people entering my life lately seem to be a glimpse into sunnier days, better people, and living surrounded by love. I felt the urge to dive in headfirst.

Judith's shoulder brushed mine when we came upon the entrance. It was brighter and more refined than the coffee bar Paul and I had gone to. The people didn't appear outwardly artsy, they were more poshly dressed and snooty.

Our demeanors shifted to match the room, holding ourselves more highly. Her hands delicately rested together in front of her, her steps were graceful. She stood a step ahead of me, ordering an espresso and some tea sandwiches. When prompted, I ordered an espresso as well.